A United States man was arrested at the Hidalgo Port of Entry Tuesday after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found him to be attempting to transport over 100 pounds of cocaine concealed in his vehicle.
The criminal complaint states that Homeland Security Investigations in McAllen were requested for investigative assistance in regards to David Silva who was found to be in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine.
The drugs were found inside an aftermarket constructed concealed compartment located in the rear bumper and doors of a Dodge Avenger that Silva was driving after a K-9 unit conducted a free air inspection.
“A physical search of the vehicle was conducted and 44 cellophane wrapped and vacuum sealed packages, weighing approximately [101.4 pounds], were discovered concealed within the rear bumper and doors of the vehicle,” the complaint said.
A field test of the substance inside the packages resulted in a presumptive positive for the properties and characteristics of cocaine.
In addition, the physical search resulted in the discovery of five bags containing a crystalline substance weighing approximately 11 pounds which was later revealed to be methamphetamine after a field test was conducted on the substance.
During an interview, Silva stated that he was hired by an unknown person in Mexico to transport drugs from Mexico into the U.S.
Silva is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker for his preliminary and detention hearing on Friday.
In a news release, CBP said the drugs have an estimated street value of $1.4 million
